Kids are very well catered for in Aviemore and the Cairngorm national park with no end of things to see and do. With two young children ourselves we’ve done our share of exploring! There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from in Aviemore and the surrounding area that are great for kids, the Old Bridge Inn just next door to Pine Bank being one of them with a kids menu.
All of our accommodation is suitable for families with kids. Cots and high chairs are available, just ask at the time of booking. We recently renewed our kids play area which features a climbing frame, swings, slide and a huge nest swing. On top of that there is table tennis and plenty of space on the lawn for kids to play with seating for mums and dads.
Inside the cabins and lodges you’ll find DVD players with a selection available at reception to borrow.
To get the kids active there are plenty of great walks that aren’t too strenuous with a good chance of seeing some local wildlife. On site you’ll see plenty of rabbits and red squirrels.
Roaming freely in the Cairngorms since 1952, this is the only free-ranging herd found in Britain. You can take walking tours up in the hills to see the Reindeer roam or visit the pens at the base of the mountain to see the reindeer and learn all about their history. The reindeer also have the important role of pulling Santa through Aviemore on his sleigh on Christmas Eve!
Home to Scotland’s only funicular railway, Cairngorm Mountain is open all year round offering snowsports in winter and walks with stunning views the rest of the year. A ride up the funicular railway takes you to over 3,500ft. At the top is the Ptarmigan restaurant, the highest in the UK. During the ski season Cairngorm Mountain offers lessons for adults and kids of all abilities.
A wonderful opportunity to ride on a traditional steam train over 10 miles of track taking in the amazing scenery on offer. The train departs from Aviemore and takes in Boat of Garten before arriving in Broomhill. The railway offers several catering options as well as just rides and has special services for kids running through the year.
The Hilton at Coylumbridge has a pool that is available to visitors for a charge. Here you will also find the Fun House, an indoor soft play area for kids to burn off some energy. The Macdonald Aviemore resort also has a soft play area for kids, again available for a charge.
Suitable for adults a bigger kids alike, Treezone has you up in the trees taking on an adventure course with a zip line at the finish, located just by the Rothiemurchus centre.
With a cafe and great kids play area the Highland Folk Museum offers visitors a chance to see how people used to live in the area.
One for older kids and adults, G2 specialise in outdoor activities ranging from white water rafting, river canyoning through to ski touring in the winter.
Activities include white water rafting, canyoning, river stand up paddle boarding and the unique river tubing. Great for adults and older kids.
Situated just up the road toward Cairngorm Mountain from Pine Bank is the Rothiemurchus estate. With stunning scenery and local wildlife in abundance Rothiemurchus offers something for all visitors. The estate offers an array of activities such as quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, lake fishing and estate tours. The estate centre also has a cafe and food shop selling local produce.
Located a short drive away in Carrbridge, Landmark is a great day out with the kids. The park features plenty of walks and activities in the great outdoors including a maze, red squirrel trail, climbing walls, slides, water slide and mini roller coaster. If the weather isn’t so great it also has an indoor area along with cafe to recharge.
The Highland Wildlife Park is a short drive South just past Kincraig. A great day out for families the park gives visitors the opportunity to see a variety of animals both domestic and further afield. The park is also home to the UK’s first Polar bear cub in 25 years. As well as seeing the animals on foot the park also has a drive around reserve as well as play park and cafe.
